Synonyms for

Preferential

Verb / ˌprefɜ:ˈenʃʌl / Another word for preferential — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

giving or showing an advantage to one person or group over another

Synonyms & similar words

discriminatory advantageous favorable privileged selective discriminatory partial biased unequal preferent special exclusive partisan favourable predominant preponderant superior chosen favoured favorite

Synonyms by register

Formal

discriminatory selective privileged biased

Informal

special favored chosen

Literary

chosen cherished

Antonyms

equal impartial unbiased disadvantageous general universal indiscriminate

Common collocations

  • preferential treatment
  • preferential access
  • preferential option
  • preferential rate
  • preferential agreement
  • preferential consideration
  • preferential status

Word family

noun preference
adverb preferentially

Usage note

Often used in contexts of economics, law, or social policy to describe advantages given to certain groups or entities. Be mindful of the potential negative connotations of unfairness.

Example sentences

  1. The teacher gave preferential treatment to the student who always raised her hand.
  2. The boss's preferential treatment of his favorite employee caused resentment among the other workers.
  3. The preferential seating section at the concert was filled with VIPs.
  4. Some universities have preferential admission policies for children of alumni.
  5. The new tax code includes preferential treatment for small businesses.

Quotes

  • 'I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.' - Martin Luther King Jr.
  • 'Equal rights for all, special privileges for none.' - Thomas Jefferson
  • 'It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. Otherwise, we are often swayed by anecdote, and that's often not a representative example.' - Bill Gates

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